Pres. Muizzu promises to fulfill unmet pledges through next year’s budget despite failing to deliver any so far
The upcoming budget will include funding for island development needs and enable fulfillment of unimplemented promises across the Maldives
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaking at an event
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that he will fulfill his remaining promises by including them in next year’s national budget, despite none of his numerous campaign pledges having been realized so far.
The president made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Olhuvelifushi island of Kaafu atoll, where he met with residents of the island. He said the upcoming budget will include funding for the island’s development needs and will be structured to enable the fulfillment of unimplemented promises, in addition to projects that were signed and launched earlier this year.
He added that, in accordance with the law, the government will submit the 2026 budget to the People’s Majlis before the end of this week.
Muizzu stated that the next year’s budget would accommodate initiatives to fulfill the pledges made to all islands across the Maldives, explaining that the work to implement these commitments has been scheduled over a two-year period.
He also claimed the budget would prioritize services for citizens and community well-being.
However, despite repeated assurances, no tangible progress has been made on any of the more than 2,000 promises Muizzu has announced since taking office. While numerous agreements have been signed and ceremonial launches held, projects have repeatedly stalled soon after commencement. This continued lack of delivery has drawn mounting criticism from citizens and observers who accuse the administration of failing to turn its words into action.
During the same speech, Muizzu discussed his proposal to abolish atoll councils through legal amendments, redirecting the resulting funds to island councils to support citizens requiring social protection. He said the change would make it mandatory for island councils to allocate assistance directly to individuals in need. Muizzu also claimed that next year would be a period when citizens could “feel” the impact of government attention to social issues.
The president went on to highlight development issues specific to Olhuvelifushi, stating that the island’s most pressing issue is its electricity supply. He said several planned projects are dependent on resolving this issue and pledged that the government, through Fenaka Corporation, will take all necessary steps to address it. Muizzu stated that he would personally oversee efforts to expedite the solution through the President’s Office and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved before the fasting month of Ramadan.
Earlier that morning, several agreements related to the island’s development were signed, and work was ceremonially launched on a number of projects. The president identified the harbor project as one of the most significant infrastructural developments for Olhuvelifushi’s future and noted that the land reclamation project would add 15 hectares to the island.
Muizzu again assured residents that development needs in all sectors, including education and sports, would be addressed comprehensively. However, critics note that similar assurances have been made during nearly every island visit, with little to show in terms of practical results. Many have accused the president of repeating the same promises without delivering any meaningful progress.
